Press Releases 2008

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Michele J. Sison Meets Access English Students

April 8, 2008

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Michele J. Sison visited two high schools in northern Lebanon today to meet students participating in the Access English Microscholarship program.  The principals, teachers and students at the Halba Secondary School and the Fadel Mukaddem Secondary School in Tripoli all expressed how successful the program is. 

When she was with the students, the Chargé encouraged them by saying “learning another language helps you understand how others think, what they consider important, and how they view the world.  By learning another language, your own opportunities are expanded.”

Since 2004, 1138 students have participated in the the Access English Microscholarship program, funded by the U. S. Government.  Using English training, the program trains youth to be leaders.  Teachers encourage students to participate in volunteer organizations as well as junior business associations.  Students interact with each other in the classroom, with other students during their volunteer work, and through the Internet.